all wrapped up.....

The parties that is.......everything was so lovely. I haven't even had a chance to look at the pictures a friend snapped on my camera......today was the first time to stop for a breather. It all began last Thursday when we shopped for the dinner for 80 people......4 spiral hams, 5 cans of green beans, 40 pounds of potatoes, 3 industrial sized bags of romaine, 8 lbs of butter, 2 quart of half and half, 5 bags of rolls.......sounds a little like the 12 days of Christmas song....but no pears or partridges! We delivered it all to the church kitchen and then after decorating my two tables, I came home to finish up the desserts and would you believe my family wanted to eat??? Then on Friday, did a little of my Christmas shopping {no I am not finished--I have a few more days!} and went to the church to start the cooking....There were three of us cooking and the meal turned out to be most delicious! Our menu was Spiral Ham, Green Beans (made with garlic, soy sauce, brown sugar, and bacon pieces). My friend Renee and her daughter had made two lovely Buche de Noel cakes, another friend had made Layered Hazelnut Cheesecake (search for the recipe on Taste of Home) and I had made the luscious trifle that I gave you the recipe for. The tables were set in our multi-purpose room and with only the sconce lighting and 10 beautifully decorated tables, it was like a wonderful, fine dining restaurant. The meal was a hit, we had such fun making it, and it was a nice night of fellowship. It was just a little bit intense on the effort it took to pull it all off, considering we are all trying to take care of our own Christmas things. Nonetheless, it was a very fun night. We also had an ornament exchange as part of the evening, as well as my talented friend Renee entertaining us with a touching skit about our Christmas attitudes.......sweet, my friend!
On Saturday afternoon, I went to my friend's house to help her set up for her Open House, which has become a HUGE party....I could only stay a little while as I needed to come home and get ready for Saturday night...........still partying to be done......
My daughter Allison had planned her PALS dinner where we hosted 19 of her friends who all brought a covered dish. They all came with their dishes and were all dressed up. It was loud but very, very fun. They ended their evening after dessert with a rousing game of Taboo! It was a fun-filled weekend.
Today after church, it was time for all activities to come to an abrupt halt and take some time to recoup. David got home from college and we enjoyed snacks and family game of Scrabble....and now what's left to be wrapped up is a whole pile of presents!!! It was a great weekend!

So tomorrow is the Giveaway announcement....I know there are all manner of parties going on to link to for tree decor, Christmas tours, gift ideas, etc. Well, all I've got is a giveaway, so send everyone you know over here.........It's going to be all about RELAXING......some magazines, some craft books, some tea bags, some cookies, maybe a jar of fresh clean air to take a deep breath of !! LOL!! A chance to stop and take a quick break .......Come back tomorrow for some pics and the chance to sign up for the giveaway itself....I appreciate YOU coming by today and would love to hear all about your parties and weekend activities. I appreciate YOU for your blogging encouragement and friendship! I am continuing to gain followers, which just totally amazes me....but thanks! See you tomorrow!!!!